Phillies make predictable choices as rosters reduce to 26 men

Phillies reduce roster to 26 by optioning Damon Jones and Cristopher Sánchez to Triple-A

After carrying 28-man rosters for the month of April, MLB teams were forced to make cuts to reduce their rosters to the usual 26-man on May 1.

While other teams may have surprised fans with their demotions, the Philadelphia Phillies made predictable choices, sending Damon Jones and Cristopher Sánchez down to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Both lefties made brief debuts in 2021, with the former making one appearance, and the latter seven, including one start.

Jones made four appearances in April, and allowed five earned runs on four hits over 4 2/3 innings. He didn’t give up any home runs, which is encouraging, but batters did far too much of everything else against him.

Sánchez also pitched in four games between April 12-May 1, and allowed six earned runs on eight hits over 10 total innings.

Of course, after losing two of three to the New York Mets, including getting no-hit on Friday night, fans are asking the team to option someone else: Joe Girardi.

Replies to the team’s optioning announcement were full of ‘option Joe Girardi’ replies.

It’s unlikely the Phillies will get rid of Girardi, but Jones and/or Sánchez could return to the Majors at some point this season. The pitching staff has a 4.10 ERA through their first 23 games, but the bullpen has only blown one save, which is highly encouraging. Still, it’s a long season and call-ups are as inevitable.